activate
verbcommon in dialogue
- //ˈæktɪˌveɪt//
To encourage development or induce increased activity; to stimulate.
verb
- 1
To encourage development or induce increased activity; to stimulate.
activate the economy
- 2
To put a device, mechanism (alarm etc.) or system into action or motion; to trigger, to actuate, to set off, to enable.
The pranksters activated the fire alarm by spraying deodorant next to it.
- 3
To render more reactive; excite.
- 4
To render a molecule reactive, active, or effective in performing its function.
- 5
To render a substance radioactive.
- 6
To hasten a chemical reaction, especially by heating.
- 7
To remove the limitations of demoware by providing a license; to unlock.
- 8
To aerate in order to aid decomposition of organic matter.
- 9
To organize or create a military unit or station.
A new squadron was activated.
- 10
To bring a player back after an injury.
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂eǵ- Proto-Indo-European *-eti Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵeti Proto-Italic *agō Latin agō Proto-Indo-European *-wós Proto-Indo-European *-iHwósder. Latin -īvus ▲ Ancient Greek ἐνεργητῐκός (energētĭkós)sl. Latin āctīvusbor. Old French actifbor. Middle English actyf English active Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ Proto-Indo-European *-éh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-tós Proto-Indo-European *-eh₂tos Proto-Italic *-ātos Latin -ātuslbor. English -ate English activate From active + -ate.
Forms
- past tense
- activated
- past participle
- activated
- present participle
- activating
- third person singular
- activates
activate · To encourage development or induce increased activity; to stimulate.
active · Having the power or quality of acting; causing change;…actively · In an active manner.activist · One who is politically active in the role of a citizen;…